Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide

Sterilization of medical devices, including Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide, is a very important method to prevent the transmission and spread of infections and diseases during the use of these devices. Sterilization; It is the name we give to the process of completely removing or killing microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens from their environment. We can list some of the common methods used for sterilization of medical devices as follows:

Steam Sterilization (Autoclave): Autoclaves provide sterilization using high pressure and water steam. This method is commonly used to sterilize durable materials such as glass and metal.

Gas Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (ETO) gas used for Ethylene Oxide Sterilization is another common method used in the sterilization of medical devices. This method is suitable for sterilization of heat-sensitive materials.

Radiation Sterilization: Ionizing radiations such as gamma rays or electron beams can be used to sterilize medical devices. This method is generally preferred for sterilization of disposable materials.

Plasma Sterilization: Plasma creates an environment that ionizes a gaseous substance and provides antimicrobial effects. Plasma sterilization is used to sterilize heat-sensitive materials.

Chemical Sterilization: This method involves the use of special chemicals. Chemicals such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are used in the sterilization of medical devices and are commonly known as cold sterilization.

When choosing the sterilization method, factors such as the type of material to be used, its durability and application area should be taken into consideration. Sterilization procedures should be performed in accordance with the recommendations of the medical device manufacturer and the guidelines of local health authorities. Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide, which we mentioned among the above methods, is a widely used method in the sterilization of heat-sensitive medical devices and materials. This process occurs by exposing the materials to ETO gas and keeping them under the influence of this gas under certain temperature and humidity conditions. The steps used for Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide are:

Preparation step:

The sterilization chamber or chamber is prepared and tightly sealed to prevent leaks.

The sterilization room is arranged to control humidity to facilitate the absorption of ETO gas in Ethylene Oxide Sterilization.

Packaging step:

Medical devices prepared for sterilization should be placed in special ETO-proof packaging.

And this packaging material has properties that allow ETO gas to enter while preventing it from exiting.

ETO Gas Exposure step:

Packaged medical devices should be placed in the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is filled with ETO gas at a certain concentration. The exposure time of ETO gas is determined depending on the size of the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization chamber, the gas concentration and the properties of the material being sterilized.

Sterilization Time and Temperature Control step with Ethylene Oxide:

A certain level of humidity and temperature allows ETO gas to work effectively. Sterilization time and temperature ensure the capacity of ETO gas to kill microorganisms.

Ventilation and Ventilation step:

After the Sterilization process with Ethylene Oxide is completed, the sterilization room is well ventilated and the gas is withdrawn. This step ensures the safe removal of residual ETO gas.

Control and Analysis step:

After Sterilization with Ethylene Oxide, analyzes should be performed to check whether there is residual ETO on medical devices. Checking that ETO gas is at acceptable levels is important to confirm that safe sterilization has occurred.

Ethylene Oxide Sterilization is an effective method for sterilizing particularly sensitive materials, but its use must be managed carefully. Because ETO gas can be toxic. In addition, the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization process must be carried out in accordance with the instructions of local health authorities and relevant standards.

You can click on the link below to access the Ethylene Oxide Sterilization Instruction and Attachments document:

https://suswise.com/discover/documents/ethylene-oxide-ile-sterilization-talimati-ve-ekleri-892734